Bowel Cancer:
Understanding the Risks, Symptoms, and Importance of Early Detection
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer. With over 42,000 new diagnoses each year, it’s essential for everyone to understand the risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. Though bowel cancer primarily affects people over the age of 50, it can strike at any age, and it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and take preventative measures.
Who Is at Risk?
Symptoms to Watch For
Bowel cancer is treatable and even curable when diagnosed early. However, the chances of successful treatment drop significantly if the cancer progresses without detection. Symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle or mistaken for other health conditions, but it’s important to seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Blood in your stool or bleeding from the back passage
- Persistent, unexplained changes in bowel habits
- A sensation of needing to pass stool even after a bowel movement
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness without a clear cause
- A pain or lump in your abdomen
Although most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer, it’s essential to consult with your GP if you’re concerned. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference.
Lifestyle Factors That Can Reduce Your Risk
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer. Here are some steps you can take:
- Avoid processed foods: One of the most impactful dietary changes you can make to support bowel health is to avoid processed foods. These products often contain high levels of additives, preservatives, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats—all of which can disrupt gut function and contribute to inflammation.
- Limit processed meats: Avoid processed meats and reduce red meat consumption.
- Increase fibre intake: Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods, including wholegrains, pulses, vegetables, and fruits.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Keeping a healthy body weight can help lower your risk.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of several cancers, including bowel cancer.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol intake can help decrease your risk, as approximately 6% of bowel cancer cases in the UK are linked to alcohol.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is linked to approximately 7% of bowel cancer cases, so quitting can significantly reduce your risk.
Risk Factors for Bowel Cancer
Several factors can increase your risk of developing bowel cancer:
- Age: Being over 50 significantly increases your risk.
- Family History: A strong family history of bowel cancer, particularly if a first-degree relative was diagnosed before age 50, or if multiple relatives have had the disease, increases your risk.
- History of Polyps: Having a history of non-cancerous growths (polyps) in the bowel increases your risk.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Longstanding conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can increase your risk of developing bowel cancer.
- Type 2 Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes may be at higher risk for bowel cancer.
Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives
Screening plays a crucial role in detecting bowel cancer early, even before symptoms appear. Regular screening can identify early signs of cancer or precancerous growths (polyps) that could develop into cancer in the future. Removing these polyps reduces the risk of bowel cancer.
At The London General Practice, we guide our patients through the latest screening options to detect bowel cancer early, including:
- Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): These tests check for tiny traces of blood in a stool sample, which could indicate the presence of cancer or polyps.
- CT Colonoscopy (Virtual Colonoscopy): A CT scanner is used to create detailed images of the bowel to check for abnormalities or signs of cancer.
- Bowel Scope Screening: This procedure involves using a flexible tube called a colonoscope to examine the bowel. It allows doctors to take samples and identify any issues in the bowel.
Treatment Options
The treatment for bowel cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the individual’s overall health. Early-stage bowel cancer may be treated through surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. In more advanced stages, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may be recommended. Even in cases where the cancer has spread beyond the bowel, novel treatments and techniques are available to manage the condition and improve survival rates.
Take Control of Your Health
At The London General Practice, we provide expert advice and access to the latest screening techniques to ensure your health is monitored and maintained.
If you’re concerned about your risk for bowel cancer or want to schedule a screening, get in touch with us today. Early intervention is key to prevention, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of your health.
Enquire now
Web Enquiry LGP: Web Enquiry
Phone: 020 7935 1000
Email: info@thelondongeneralpractice.com
The London General Practice offers a number of screening services. To find out more about all screening services available at The London General Practice click below.
